Account Manager Transfer Agency

Role Overview

Account Manager Transfer Agency at The Apex Group, Abu Dhabi. Full-time position at Assistant Vice President level within the Operations, Transfer Agency department.

Company Overview

The Apex Group was established in Bermuda in 2003 and is one of the world's largest fund administration and middle office solutions providers. The business reaches globally, services locally, and provides cross-jurisdictional services. The organization is represented by approximately 13,000 employees across 112 offices worldwide.

Role Purpose

Serve as a knowledgeable and professional point of contact for fund investors, fund managers, and internal teams regarding fund documentation, investor registries, and AML/KYC processing. Work individually and as part of a team to cover an assigned set of funds while maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and Apex policies.

Key Responsibilities

AML/KYC & Investor Due Diligence

• Conduct AML screening to ensure investor compliance with money laundering regulations.
• Consider all investor types including individuals, nominees, entities, trusts, and partnerships.
• Collect and identify beneficial owners and shareholders.
• Perform upfront and ongoing screening of investors and associated parties including UBOs, directors, and trustees.
• Identify and report Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs).
• Maintain knowledge of AML/KYC laws and guidelines set out by appropriate MENA Regulators, CIMA, and Apex AML Policies.
• Possess knowledge of Bermuda and BVI AML/KYC laws.
• Adhere to established AML/KYC policies, procedures, and controls.

Registration & Static Data

• Maintain investor registers including all static data such as address, emails, PEP status, investor risk classification, and tracking of KYC renewal dates under the Continuous Monitoring Program.
• Distribute investor communications and mailings via manual email, portal, or system-generated methods.

Dealings & Cash

• Receive and process subscriptions, redemptions, transfers, and switches.
• Approve bank information for wires.
• Match money received to bank deposits.

Reconciliations

• Reconcile money movements related to subscriptions, redemptions, switches, and distributions.
• Investigate reconciliation breaks.
• Chase for missing monies related to partial or unsettled payments.
• Ensure custodians and distributors are all reconciled by the end of each month.

Reporting

• Deliver client reporting via email, system-generated reports, or portal platforms including PFS Paxus, Apex Connect, E-Front, and Investment Café.
• Provide fund manager reporting on missing documents, AML status of investors, and estimated or confirmed cash flows.
• Deliver investor reporting including NAV statements, contract note confirmations for subscriptions and redemptions, capital calls, and dividend distribution notices.
• Provide custodian and distributor reporting including fund settlement confirmations and access to accounts for ClearStream, Allfunds, and related platforms.
• Deliver family office reporting including updating family office investor accounts.

Tax, FATCA & CRS Compliance

• Collect relevant FATCA/CRS forms.
• Verify TIN and GIIN information.
• Collect tax declarations.
• Define tax status of every investor in system.

Fund Operations & Documentation

• Possess good understanding of all transfer agency functions including AML/KYC, investor onboarding, share registry dealings, Metrosoft screening, payments, and FATCA/CRS filings.
• Coordinate with appropriate operations and CRM teams to ensure task completion.
• Possess basic understanding of fund structures including share classes versus series and NAV per share calculations.
• Enable publishing of correct prices to various pricing vendors such as Bloomberg, Refinitiv, and Morning Star.
• Understand accounting related to subscriptions, redemptions, and distributions.
• Ensure investor communications are released in line with procedures and deadlines are met.
• Read and understand fund Private Placement Memorandums (PPMs) and provide comments on transfer agency related aspects.
• Coordinate with the corporate secretary for any waivers and board resolutions required in relation to transfer agency activity.
• Maintain knowledge of assigned funds, fund timelines, deal documentation, and related processes.

Fund Administration & Audit

• Establish good relationships with Front Office/Fund Accounting teams.
• Establish workflows and procedures to ensure the fund accounting team is updated at all times regarding any transfer agency activity to be included in NAV calculations.
• Manage fund audits in relation to transfer agency related PBC requirements.

Stakeholder Management & Communication

• Confidently communicate with investors and handle situations that arise in line with Apex policies.
• Possess good command of the English language and strong written and communication skills.
• Demonstrate good email etiquette when communicating with investors and clients.
• Understand workflows and organize responsibilities and priorities to meet and manage deadlines with exceptional attention to detail and follow through.

Project & Process Improvement

• Participate in special projects as assigned, including automation efforts, enhanced controls, system testing, and client research.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 5 to 7 years of overall experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a transfer agency role.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a team leader or managerial role.

Skills & Competencies

• Good understanding and knowledge of AML/KYC laws and guidelines set out by appropriate MENA Regulators and CIMA.
• Knowledge of Bermuda and BVI AML/KYC laws.
• Understanding of all transfer agency functions including AML/KYC, investor onboarding, share registry dealings, Metrosoft screening, payments, and FATCA/CRS filings.
• Basic understanding of fund structures and NAV per share calculations.
• Basic understanding of accounting related to subscriptions, redemptions, and distributions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Good command of the English language.
• Understanding of Arabic (written and spoken) is an added advantage.
• Good email etiquette.
• Confident in investor and client communication.
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow through.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.

Additional Information

• High level of visibility within a large organization on an upwards trajectory.
• Ability to define a function of the Apex Business in Abu Dhabi.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse, agile, and global product line.
• Opportunity to participate in innovation and process improvement initiatives.
• Apex Group is an equal opportunity employer and ensures that no applicant is subject to less favorable treatment on the grounds of gender, gender identity, marital status, race, color, nationality, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, responsibilities for dependants, physical or mental disability.
• Hiring decisions are made based on skills, qualifications, and experience.